Indian prime minister calls for closer strategic as well as trade partnership with Australia

India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi, left, and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott walk together as they leave the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. Modi is having bilateral talks with the Australian leader following the G-20 summit. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, Pool)
(The Associated Press)

India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi, center, inspects a honor guard during a ceremonial welcome in Canberra, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. Modi is having bilateral talks with Australia following on from the G20 summit. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
(The Associated Press)

India's Prime Minster Narendra Modi, left, inspects a honor guard during a ceremonial welcome in Canberra, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014. Modi is having bilateral talks with Australia following on from the G20 summit. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
(The Associated Press)

CANBERRA, Australia – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a closer strategic partnership between India and Australia as well as a closer trading relationship, warning that peace in the Asia-Pacific region cannot be taken for granted.

Modi said in a rare address to the Australian Parliament on Tuesday that few countries have as much synergy as energy-hungry India and resource-rich Australia. He says countries are also "united by the ideals of democracy."

Modi's speech came a day after Chinese President told the Australian Parliament that China, Australia's largest trading partner, was committed to peaceful development and resolution of territorial disputes.